I was a serious buyer up to $15K with a 200 mile range. Was ready to walk into my local dealer and plunk down a deposit. I figured this would happen, but I'd hoped that HD still had some sense left in their (collective) head.
Facts:
- $29,800 - The orange and yellow ones will bump up the price, because y'know, HD doesn't give anything but vivid black for no extra charge.
- 110 mixed mile range - This pegs this bike squarely as a city commuter, nothing more.
- Integrated mobile data/hotspot/Bluetooth/security/stolen bike tracking/smartphone app - Free for the first year, subscription-based afterwards. Decide you don't want to pay? Kiss the security and tracking features goodbye.
- Limited number of dealers selling - HD stated that all LiveWire dealers HAVE to have a Level 3 charging station installed. Closest dealer to me is 188 miles away.
- Infrastructure isn't there - Tesla chargers, IIRC, only work with Tesla vehicles. I've seen 2 Level 3 chargers where I work (we employ over 25K people). Forget being able to charge on any road trip for the foreseeable future.
- Anybody who can afford this bike doesn't want it. Those who might want it can't afford it - Aside from some celebrities (and of course motor-vehicle nut Jay Lenno will have to get one for his museum :grin), and a few well heeled wannabes, this thing won't sell.
- You can get more for less - The Zero in its highest configuration gives twice the distance at half the cost! Yes, I think the Zero itself is overpriced to begin with, but at least it's not outrageously overpriced. Heck, if you ONLY cared about a short commute to work (~30 miles round trip), you can pick up the CSC City Slicker for under $3K! IS it ideal? No. Is it cheap and a decent choice for people who live in large cities where owning a car is more trouble than it's worth? Yup.
All along, HD has touted this electric push as a way to bring in new, younger riders. To reach out to different demographics. Coming out with this scoot at this price shows me how utterly tone deaf they are. I was seriously considering this as it would allow me to get riding experience in and not need to worry about my arthritic wrists. Even at $15K it was going to be too expensive for what it was, but I was willing to do it. Now, I'm just going to get something with a DCT in it, or get an HD and throw a Rekluse clutch in it.
I'm almost afraid to see what they'll price the Pan America, Streetfighter, and Future Custom at. This is one of the biggest "swing and miss" I've seen in a long time. I hope it doesn't bite HD in the azz.
